Reconfigurable Cage Bank System For Confining One Or More Animals

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to reconfigurable cage bank systems for confining one of more animals. The reconfigurable cage bank systems can include an enclosure and one or more dividers disposed within an interior area defined by the enclosure. The dividers can selectively divide the interior area into one or more animal holding areas each of which can be configured to confine an animal. The dividers can be adjustably and/or removeably positioned within the interior area of the enclosure to reconfigure one or more of the animal holding areas.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments relate to reconfigurable cage bank systems forconfining one or more animals.

Animal cages or crates are typically used by, for example, pet owners,breeders, animal clinics, kennels, pet stores, and/or animal adoptioncenters to confine one or more animals. An animal can typically enterthe cage via a doorway, which can be closed once the animal is insidethe cage to confine the animal within the cage. In some instances, abank of cages can be implemented such that multiple cages can be formedin a side-by-side or stacked arrangement, wherein each cage in the bankof cages can hold at least one animal. Typically, the dimensions ofthese conventional cages are fixed.

Conventional fixed dimension cages typically require users to determinewhich cages to purchase based on the dimensions of the cages. As oneexample, a user may purchase cages that have dimensions that canaccommodate large sized dogs and may use these cages to hold small,medium, and large sized dogs. While this approach provides flexibilityto allow a single cage to hold different sized animals, this approachresults in an inefficient use of space, which may be limited, becausesome animals generally do not require as much space as other animals. Asanother example, the user may purchase cages having an assortment offixed dimensions such that the user can have cages that are dimensionedto hold small-sized dogs, cages to hold medium-sized dogs, and cagesthat hold large-sized dogs. While this approach can result in anefficient use of space, some of the cages may not have suitabledimensions to hold some animals, which can create an issue, for example,if the user acquires more large sized dogs than cages that canaccommodate the large sized dogs.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to reconfigurablecage bank systems for confining one of more animals. The reconfigurablecage bank systems may include an enclosure and one or more dividersdisposed within an interior area defined by the enclosure. The dividerscan divide the interior area into one or more animal holding areas eachof which can be configured to confine an animal. The dividers may beadjustably and/or removeably positioned within the interior area of theenclosure to adjust at least one dimension associated with one or moreof the animal holding areas. The adjustably sized animal holding areascan allow a user to allocate the interior area of exemplary embodimentsof the reconfigurable cage bank system based on a size of the animals tobe held in the interior area to provide an efficient and flexiblestructure for confining one or more animals of similar and/or differentsizes.

In one embodiment, a reconfigurable system for confining one or moreanimals is disclosed. The system includes an enclosure and a divider.The enclosure extends along a longitudinal axis and defines an interiorarea. The divider is disposed in the interior area of the enclosure toform two or more animal holding area. The divider is adjustablypositioned within the interior area to adjust a dimension associatedwith at least one of the animal holding areas.

In another embodiment, a method of reconfiguring one or more animalholding areas is disclosed. The method includes positioning a dividerwithin an interior area of an enclosure to a first location along alongitudinal axis of the enclosure. The interior area is accessiblethrough one or more closable passageways disposed along a side of theenclosure. The divider defines a first animal holding area having afirst width and a second animal holding area having a second width. Themethod also includes repositioning the divider within the interior areato a second location along the longitudinal axis to adjust each of thefirst width of the first animal holding area and the second width of thesecond animal holding area and securing the divider at the secondlocation to impede movement of the divider from the second location.

In yet another embodiment, a system for confining one or more animals isdisclosed that includes an enclosure and one or more dividers. Theenclosure extends along a longitudinal axis and defines an interiorarea. The one or more dividers are disposed within the interior area toform a plurality of animal holding areas. The one or more dividers areadjustably positioned along a transverse axis within the interior areato reconfigure the plurality of animal holding areas.

Other objects and features will become apparent from the followingdetailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements. It isto be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as anillustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the presentdisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of areconfigurable cage bank system.

FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of the reconfigurable cage banksystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front side view of an exemplary embodiment of thereconfigurable cage bank system.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider that canbe implemented in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment ofthe reconfigurable cage bank system.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the reconfigurable cage banksystem along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is detailed view of area 7 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is another detailed view of area 7 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is another front side view of an exemplary embodiment of thereconfigurable cage bank system.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a latching member of anexemplary door for embodiments of the reconfigurable cage bank system.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of areconfigurable cage bank system.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the reconfigurable cage bank system of FIG.11.

FIG. 13 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a divider thatcan be implemented in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a front body portion of the divider ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the reconfigurable cage banksystem of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toreconfigurable cage bank systems that can be configured to includeadjustably sized animal holding areas for confining one or more animals,such as one or more dogs and/or one or more cats. Exemplary embodimentsof the reconfigurable cage bank systems can include an enclosuredefining an interior area that can be divided into the animal holdingareas using one or more adjustably positioned dividers disposed in theinterior area of the enclosure. A size of the animal holding areas canbe adjusted by moving the dividers in the interior area.

Providing adjustably sized animal holding areas allows a user toallocate the interior area of exemplary embodiments of thereconfigurable cage bank system based on a size of the animals to beheld in the interior area. Because smaller animals typically requireless space than larger animals, a position of the dividers can beselected to provide the larger animals with a larger animal holdingareas and the smaller animals with a smaller animal holding areas withinthe enclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the reconfigurable cagebank system. Exemplary embodiments of the reconfigurable cage banksystem can provide an efficient and flexible structure for confining oneor more animals of similar and/or different sizes.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of areconfigurable cage bank system 10 that includes an enclosure 12 havingan interior area 14 dimensioned to hold one or more animals, such as oneor more dogs and/or one or more cats. For clarity, one or more gatingstructures, such as one or more doors or gates, have been omitted fromFIG. 1 to provide an unobstructed view of the interior area 14 of theenclosure 12. Exemplary gating structures, e.g., doors, are shown forexample, in FIGS. 3 and 9. One or more dividers 16 can be disposed inthe interior area 14 to form animal holding areas 18 (e.g., pens, bays,compartments) in which at least one animal can be confined. The dividers16 can be adjustably positioned in the interior area 14 to adjust a sizeof the animal holding areas 18. In exemplary embodiments, the size ofthe animal holding areas 18 can be adjusted to accommodate differentsized animals. For example, the reconfigurable cage bank system can holddifferent sized dogs, such as small dogs (e.g., Chihuahuas), medium dogs(e.g., Cocker Spaniels), large dogs (e.g., Golden Retrievers), and or acombination thereof, and the size of the animal holding areas 18 can beadjusted to correspond to the sizes of the dogs to be confined in theanimal holding areas 18.

In the present embodiment, the enclosure 12 can generally extend along alongitudinal axis L from a first side 20 to a second side 22, cangenerally extend along a first transverse axis T₁, perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis L, from a third (front) side 24 to a fourth (rear)side 26, and can generally extend along a second transverse axis T₂,perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and the first transverse axisT₁, from a fifth (bottom) side 28 to a sixth (top) side 30. The sides20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 of the enclosure 12 define the interior area 14of the enclosure 12. In exemplary embodiments, the third (front) side 24provides a passageway into and out of the interior area 14 and can beformed by gating structures, such as one or more doors, gates, and/orother structures configured to close the passageway. A width W_(E) ofthe interior area 14 defined by the enclosure 12 can be measured alongthe longitudinal axis L between the first and second sides 20 and 22. Adepth D_(E) of the interior area 14 defined by the enclosure 12 can bemeasured along the first transverse axis T₁ between the third and fourthsides 24 and 26, and the height H_(E) of the interior area 14 defined bythe enclosure 12 can be measured along the second transverse axis T₂between the fifth and sixth sides 28 and 30. The interior area 14 has agenerally continuous volume that can be divided into the animal holdingareas 18 by the dividers 16. In some embodiments, one or more supportingcolumns can be disposed along the third side 24 and extending betweenthe fifth and sixth sides 28 and 30. In some embodiments, the sides 20,22, 24, 26, 28, 30 can be generally planer such that the enclosure 12has a generally rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the sides 20,22, 24, 26, 28, 30 can be curved or otherwise shaped such that theenclosure can be formed to have a shape other than a rectangle. In someembodiments, one or more of the sides 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 can beconfigured to provide ventilation to the interior area 14 of theenclosure. For example, one or more of the sides 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30can include a substantially continuous surface having slots, slits,and/or other openings 31 to facilitate circulation of air through theenclosure 12.

The quantity of animal holding areas 18 in the interior area 14 can beconfigured to be between a minimum quantity of animal holding areas anda maximum quantity of animal holding areas. A quantity of the dividers16 disposed in the interior area 14 of the enclosure 12 can determine amaximum quantity of animal holding areas 18 that can be formed in theinterior area 14. The minimum quantity of animal holding areas 18 formedin the interior area 14 is one animal holding area and can beindependent of the quantity of dividers 16 disposed in the interior area14. For example, the dividers 16 disposed in the interior area 14 can bepositioned proximate to and/or against the sides 20 and/or 22 to form asingle animal holding area 18 in the interior area 14.

In some embodiments, a user can remove one or more of the dividers 16from the interior area 14 and/or insert one or more of the dividers intothe interior area to determine a maximum quantity of animal holdingareas 18 that can be formed in the interior area 14. In someembodiments, the dividers 16 cannot be readily removed from theassembled reconfigurable cage bank system 10 such that the maximumquantity of animal holding areas 18 is specified at the time ofmanufacture or assembly. If no dividers 16 are disposed in the interiorarea 14, a single animal holding area 18 can be formed having agenerally fixed size. If one of the dividers 16 is disposed in theinterior area 14, a maximum of two animal holding areas can be formedand a size of each animal holding area can be determined based on aposition of the divider in the interior area 14. If two dividers 16 aredisposed in the interior area 14, a maximum of three animal holdingareas can be formed and a size of each of the animal holding areas 18can be determined based on a position of at least one of the twodividers 16. If three dividers 16 are disposed in the interior area 14,a maximum of four animal holding areas 18 can be formed and a size ofeach of the animal holding areas 18 can be determined based on aposition of at least one of the three dividers 16.

The dividers 16 can form boundaries between the animal holding areas 18and can be moveably positioned in the interior area 14 along thelongitudinal axis L to adjust a location of the boundaries between theanimal holding areas 18 to change a size (e.g., width or volume) of oneor more of the animal holding areas 18. For example, in the presentembodiment, a width W₁ of a first animal holding area 32 can be measuredalong the longitudinal axis between the first side 20 and a firstdivider 34, a width W₂ of a second animal holding area 36 can bemeasured along the longitudinal axis L between the first divider 34 anda second divider 38, a width W₃ of a third animal holding area 40 can bemeasured along the longitudinal axis L between a second divider 38 and athird divider 42, and a width W₄ of a fourth animal holding area 44 canbe measured along the longitudinal axis L between the third divider 42and the second side 22.

The widths W₁-W₄ of the animal holding areas 32, 36, 40, and 44,respectively, can be adjusted by moving the dividers 16 in the interiorarea 14. As one example, the width W₁ can be adjusted by moving thefirst divider 34 with respect to the first side 20, the width W₂ can beadjusted by moving the first divider 34 and/or the second divider 38with respect to each other, the width W₃ can be adjusted by moving thesecond divider 38 and third divider 42 with respect to each other, andthe width W₄ can be adjusted by moving the third divider 42 with respectto the second side 22.

An orientation of the dividers 16 in the interior area 14 can begenerally fixed with respect to the longitudinal axis L, the firsttransverse axis T₁, and/or the second transverse axis T₂ so, as thedividers are moved by the user, the dividers translate along thelongitudinal axis L. For example, the dividers 16 can be disposedgenerally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L and generallyparallel to the first and second transverse axes T₁ and T₂.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the reconfigurable cage bank system10 with one of the dividers 16 (e.g., the third divider 42) removed fromthe interior area 14. The interior area 14 can include two dividers 16(e.g., the first divider 34 and the second divider 38) such that amaximum of three animal holding areas 18 can be formed in the interiorarea 14. One skilled in the art will recognize that the quantity of thedividers 16 included in the interior area 14 can be modified to formmore or fewer animal holding areas 18.

As shown in FIG. 2, one or more interior surfaces of the enclosure 12can include elongate tracks 60 extending along the longitudinal axis L.For example, one or more tracks 60 can be formed on an interior surfaceof one or more of the sides 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 to generally fix anorientation of the dividers 16 in the interior area 14 and/or to guidethe dividers 16 along the longitudinal axis L of the enclosure 12 toadjust the width of their respective animal holding areas 18. Inexemplary embodiments, the tracks 60 can be slots, grooves, or channelsformed as recesses or depressions in an interior surface of one or moreof the sides 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30. As an example, an interior surface62 of the fifth (bottom) side 28 can include one of the tracks 60disposed proximate to the third (front) side 24 and can include anotherone of the tracks 60 disposed proximate to the fourth (rear) side 26. Inexemplary embodiments, the tracks 60 disposed on the interior surface 62can be substantially parallel to each other. As another example, aninterior surface 68 of the fourth (rear) side 26 can include one or moreof the track 60 disposed proximate to the fifth (bottom) side 28 and caninclude another one of the tracks 60 disposed proximate to the sixth(top) side 30. The tracks 60 disposed on the interior surface 68 can besubstantially parallel to each other.

FIG. 3 is a front side view of the reconfigurable cage bank system 10 inwhich gating structures, e.g., doors 70, are disposed along the third(front) side 24 of the enclosure 12. Profiles of different sized dogshave been superimposed on the reconfigurable cage bank system 10 toillustrate a position of the dogs within the interior area of theenclosure 12. The reconfigurable cage bank system 10 can include fourdoors 70, each having a width W_(D). In the present embodiment, thedividers (obscured) of the system 10 have been arranged to formdifferent sized animal holding areas.

For example, the first divider (obscured) is positioned at a firstlocation 71 and the second divider (obscured) is positioned at a secondlocation 72 to form the animal holding areas 32, 36, and 40 havingwidths W₁, W₂, and W₃, respectively, within the width W_(E) of theinterior area of the enclosure 12. The width W₁ of the first animalholding area 32 can be approximately twice the width W_(D) of one of thedoors (i.e., two doors wide) and the widths W₂ and W₃ of the second andthird animal holding areas 36 and 40 can each be approximately the widthW_(D) of one of the doors (i.e., one door wide) such that the firstanimal holding area 32 is approximately twice as wide as the second andthird animal holding areas 36 and 40. In the present embodiment, thefirst animal holding area 32 is dimensioned to hold up to a large sizeddog (e.g. a Golden Retriever) and the second and third animal holdingareas 36 and 40 are dimensioned to hold up to a medium sized dog.

The system 10 can be reconfigured by adding and/or removing dividers,and/or by moving one or more of the dividers within the interior area ofthe enclosure. For example, in the present embodiment, four animalholding areas can be formed that are each approximately the width W_(D)of one of the doors 70, two animal holding areas can be formed that areeach approximately twice the width W_(D) of one of the doors 70, twoanimal holding areas can be formed where one of the animal holding areasis approximately three times the width W_(D) of one of the doors 70 andthe other animal holding area is approximately the width W_(D) of one ofthe doors 70, a single animal holding area can be formed that isapproximately four times the width W_(D) of one of the doors 70, and/orother combinations can be formed.

While the present embodiment illustrates adjusting the widths of theanimal holding area to coincide with the width the doors 70, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the widths of the animal holdingareas are not limited to multiples of the width of the doors.Furthermore, in some embodiments, different gating structures can beimplemented instead of, or in addition to, the doors 70 for which awidth is not substantially fixed. For example, exemplary embodiments canbe implemented using one or more of folding, scissor, retractable,roll-up, and/or accordion gates, and/or any other suitable gatingstructures. A variety of different combination of animal holding areawidths can be implemented in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of one embodiment of a divider 16′ that can beimplemented in accordance with the present disclosure for one or more ofthe dividers 16. The divider 16′ can have a perimeter 80 extending abouta body portion 82. The perimeter 80 can be defined by an edge 84 havinga first (bottom) edge portion 86, a second (front) edge portion 88, athird (top) edge portion 90, and a fourth (rear) edge portion 92. Inexemplary embodiments, the body portion 82 can form a wall panel and theedge 84 can form a frame around the wall panel. The body portion 82 caninclude one or more openings 83 to permit airflow through the divider16′.

The divider 16′ can include guide members 100 configured to engage thetracks 60 of the enclosure 12. The guide members 100 can include firstand second guide members 102 and 104 that can extend from the first(bottom) edge portion 86. The first guide member 102 can be disposedproximate to the second (front) edge portion 88 and the second guidemember 104 can be disposed proximate to the fourth (rear) edge portion92. A position of the first and second guide members 102 and 104 withrespect to the first (bottom) edge portion 86 can correspond to aposition of the tracks 60 (FIGS. 1 and 2) disposed with respect to thefifth (bottom) side of the enclosure 12 such that when the divider 16′is positioned in the interior area 14, the first guide member 102 alignswith one of the tracks 60 disposed with respect to the interior surface62 and the second guide member aligns with another one of tracks 60disposed with respect to the interior surface 62.

The guide members 100 of the divider 16′ can include third and fourthguide members 110 and 112 that can extend from the fourth (rear) edgeportion 92 of the divider 16′. The third guide member 110 can bedisposed proximate to the third (top) edge portion 90 and the fourthguide member 112 can be disposed proximate to the first (bottom) edgeportion 86. A position of the third and fourth guide members 110 and 112with respect to the fourth edge portion 92 can correspond to a positionof one or more tracks 60 disposed with respect to the third (rear) sideof the enclosure 12 such that when the divider 16′ is positioned in theinterior area of enclosure, the third guide member 110 aligns with oneof the tracks 60 and the fourth guide member 112 aligns with another oneof the tracks 60.

In exemplary embodiments, the third and fourth guide members 110 and 112can form projections extending rearwardly from the fourth (rear) edgeportion 92 such that when the dividers 16 are positioned within theinterior area 14 the third and fourth guide members 110 and 112 extendaway from the fourth (rear) edge portion 92 along the first transverseaxis T₁ to engage the tracks 60. The guide members 110 and 112 canfacilitate translation of the divider 16′ along the longitudinal axis ofthe enclosure when the divider 16′ is moved within the interior area ofthe enclosure. In some embodiments, the third and fourth guide members110 and 112 can be integrally formed with the fourth (rear) edge portion92 such that the fourth (rear) edge portion 92 and the guide members 110and 112 form a single continuous structure. In some embodiments, thethird and fourth guide members 110 and 112 can be secured or fastened tothe fourth (rear) edge portion 92.

The divider 16′ can include lockout members 120 configured to selectivesecure the divider 16′ at a location in the interior area of theenclosure. In exemplary embodiments, a first one of the lockout members120 can be disposed proximate to the corner formed by the first (bottom)edge portion 86 and the second (front) edge portion 88 and a second oneof the lockout members 120 can be disposed proximate to the cornerformed by the second (front) edge portion 88 and the third (top) edgeportion 90. The lockout member 120 can operate to selectively andsubstantially lock the divider 16′ in a position along the longitudinalaxis when the divider 16′ is disposed within the interior area of theenclosure.

In some embodiments, the divider 16′ can include a handle 122 to providean area on the divider 16′ that can be grasped by a user. The handle 122can be disposed along the second (front) edge portion 88 and can extendalong the second transverse axis T₂. In exemplary embodiments, thehandle 122 can be positioned approximately midway between the first edgeportion 86 and the third edge portion 90.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment ofthe reconfigurable cage bank system 10 having the divider 16′ disposedwithin the interior area 14 of the enclosure 12. The tracks 60 can bedisposed with respect to each of the interior surface 62 of the fifth(bottom) side 28 and the interior surface 68 of the fourth (rear) side26 and the guide members 100 of the divider 16′ can interact with thetracks 60.

The interior surface 62 of the fifth (bottom) side 28 can include afirst track 124 and a second track 126 disposed with respect to theinterior surface 62 of the fifth (bottom) side 28. The tracks 124, 126can be spaced apart from each other such that the first track 124 isdisposed proximate to the third (front) side 24 of the enclosure 12 andthe second track 126 can be disposed proximate to the fourth (rear) sideof the enclosure 12. The tracks 124, 126 can extend along thelongitudinal axis L and can be substantially parallel to each other. Inthe present embodiment, the tracks 124, 126 can be recessed with respectto the interior surface 62, although those skilled in the will recognizethat the tracks 124, 126 can be raised with respect to the interiorsurface 62.

The interior surface 68 of the fourth (rear) side 26 can include a thirdtrack 128 and a fourth track 130 disposed with respect to the interiorsurface 68 of the fourth (rear) side 26. The tracks 128, 130 can bespaced apart from each other such that the third track 128 is disposedproximate to the fifth (bottom) side 28 of the enclosure 12 and thefourth track 130 can be disposed proximate to the sixth (top) side 30 ofthe enclosure 12. The tracks 128, 130 can extend along the longitudinalaxis L and can be substantially parallel to each other. In the presentembodiment, the tracks 128, 130 can be recessed with respect to theinterior surface 68, although those skilled in the will recognize thatthe tracks 128, 130 can be raised with respect to the interior surface68.

When the divider 16′ is disposed within the interior area 14 of theenclosure 12, the first and second guide members 102 and 104 can alignwith the first and second tracks 124 and 126, respectively. The firstand second guide members 102 and 104 can extend into the first andsecond tracks 124 and 126, respectively so that the first and secondguide members 102 and 104 engage the first and second tracks 124 and126. Likewise, when the divider 16′ is disposed within the interior area14 of the enclosure 12, the third and fourth guide members 110 and 112that can align with the third and fourth tracks 128 and 130,respectively. The third and fourth guide members 110 and 112 can extendinto the third and fourth tracks 128 and 130, respectively so that thethird and fourth guide members 110 and 112 engage the third and fourthtracks 128 and 130.

An interaction between the guide members 100 engage the tracks 60 cangenerally fix an orientation of the divider 16′ within the interior area14 so that the divider 16′ is disposed generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis L and disposed generally parallel the first and secondtransverse axes T₁ and T₂. In this orientation, the divider 16′ can forma barrier, such as a wall, that divides the interior area 14 of theenclosure to form separate and adjacent animal holding areas 18 withinthe interior area 14. The interaction between the guide members 100 andthe tracks 60 can guide the movement of the divider 16′ so that thedivider 16′ translates along the longitudinal axis L. For example, as auser urges the divider 16′ along the longitudinal axis L, the guidemembers 100 of the divider 16′ engages and/or slides within the tracks60.

In some embodiments, the fifth (bottom) and sixth (top) sides 28 and 30of the enclosure 12 can include corresponding receiving portions 121configured to receive a portion of the lockout member 120 when thelockout member is in a protracted locked position. The receivingportions 121 can be formed as recesses in the interior surfaces of thefifth and sixth sides 28 and 30 proximate to the third side 24 of theenclosure 12 and can be distributed along the longitudinal axis L toprovide discrete locations along the longitudinal axis at which thedivider 16′ can be locked into place. In exemplary embodiments, thereceiving portions 121 can be evenly and/or uniformly spaced along thelongitudinal axis such that the widths of the animal holding areas canbe discretely specified. For example, in some embodiments, thereconfigurable cage bank system 10 can include a quantity of discretegating structures, e.g., doors, and the receiving portions can disposedin the enclosure 12 so that when the lockout members in the dividers arealigned with the receiving portions, each of the animal holding areas 18are accessible through at least one of the doors. In some embodiments,the receiving portions 121 can be disposed in the first track 124.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the reconfigurable cage bank system10 along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a detailed view ofthe area 7 in FIG. 5. The lockout member 120 is omitted from FIG. 7 forclarity and the first guide member 102 and enclosure 12 are omitted fromFIG. 8 for clarity. As shown in FIG. 6, in an exemplary embodiment, theperimeter 80 of the divider 16′ can generally conform to an outline ofthe interior area 14 of the enclosure 12 with respect to the first andsecond transverse axes T₁ and T₂. The first and second tracks 124 and126 can have a generally rounded recessed profile, which can generallycorrespond to the profile of the first and second guide members 102 and104. The third and fourth tracks 128 and 130 can have a generallyrectangular recessed profile, which can generally correspond to thethird and fourth guide members 110 and 112.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first and second guide members 102 and104 can each include a ball 132 that rotatingly engages a socket 134formed in the first (bottom) edge portion 86 such that the first andsecond guide members 102 and 104 can form ball bearings. The ball 132 ofeach ball bearing can be free to rotate in the socket 134 and can engageits respective track (e.g., tracks 124 and 126) to facilitate slidingand/or rolling of the dividers along a longitudinal axis L. Forming thefirst and second guide members 102 and 104 using ball bearings canreduce friction between the divider 16′ and enclosure 12 to reduce anamount of force that is required to move the divider 16′ to change thesize of the animal holding areas 18.

As shown in FIG. 8, an exemplary embodiment of the lockout member 120can each include a shaft 140 moveably retained within in a channel 142formed in the first (bottom) edge portion 86 and/or the second (front)edge portion 88 of the divider 16′. The shaft 140 can be moved between aretracted unlocked position and a protracted locked position, and can bemoveable along the second transverse axis T₂ to move the shaft 140between the retracted unlocked position and the protracted lockedposition. In the retracted unlocked position, the shaft 140 is retractedinto the edge 80 of the divider 16′ so that movement of divider 16′along the longitudinal axis L is unimpeded by the lockout member 120. Inthe protracted locked position the shaft 140 protrudes from the edge 80of the divider 16′ and engages the enclosure 12 to selectively lock orsecure the position of the divider 16′ so that movement of the divider16′ along the longitudinal axis L is impeded by the lockout member 120.In some embodiments, the shaft 140 can be substantially aligned with theguide member 102 of the divider 16′ with respect to the secondtransverse axis T₂ such that when the shaft 140 is moved to theprotracted locked position, the shaft 140 extends into the first track124 (FIG. 5).

In some embodiments, the shaft 140 can be biased to the protractedlocked position such that the protracted locked position is the nominaldefault position of the shaft 140. For example, the lockout members 120can each include a biasing member, e.g., a spring (not shown), whichurges the shaft 140 to the protracted locked position. For embodimentsin which the shaft 140 is biased in the protracted locked position, theshaft 140 can be moved to the retracted unlocked position by overcomingthe force of the spring. In some embodiments, a position of the divider16′ can selectively secured along the longitudinal axis L in theinterior area 14 of the enclosure using a friction force between theshaft 140 and the enclosure 12 generated by the biasing member of thelockout member 120. In some embodiments, a position of the divider 16′can selectively secured along the longitudinal axis L in the interiorarea 14 of the enclosure using an interaction between the shaft 140 andthe receiving portions of the enclosure so that at least a portion ofthe shaft 140 of the lockout member 120 nests within one of thereceiving portions.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the reconfigurable cagebank system 10 having one or more gating structures, e.g., doors 150,mounted along the third (front) side 24 of the enclosure 12 in aside-by-side arrangement to provide passageways for entering and exitingthe interior area 14 of the enclosure. Each of the doors 150 can bemounted to the third (front) side 24 of the enclosure by one or morehinges (not shown) such that each of the doors 150 can rotate abouttheir respective hinges between an open position in which one or moreanimals is allowed to enter and/or exit their respective animal holdingareas 18 and a closed position in which one or more animals are confinedto their respective animal holding areas 18. The doors 150 can be openedand closed independently and separately from the each other such thatwhen a door is opened a passageway or opening is formed in the third(front) side 24 of the enclosure 12.

In some embodiments, one or more of the doors 150 can have a continuoussurface 153 and can include openings 155 for facilitate ventilation. Insome embodiments, one or more of the doors 150 can have a surface with alattice pattern 157 or other generally open pattern, such as, e.g.,chain-linked fencing, so that when the doors 150 are closed there is asubstantial amount of openings through which air can flow, whileconfining the animal to the interior area. In some embodiments, thedoors 150 can be configured to allow a substantial amount of light toenter the interior area 14 of the enclosure 12.

In the present embodiment, the reconfigurable cage bank system 10 thedoors 150 can be configured in pairs. For example, the reconfigurablecage bank system 10 can include a first pair 152 of doors 150 and asecond pair 154 of doors 150 such that a total of four doors 150 aredisposed along the third (front) side 24 of the enclosure 12.

The doors 150 of the first pair 152 are adjacent to each other andhinged on opposite sides so that each of the doors 150 in the first pair152 can open away from each other and close towards each other. Forexample, when each of the doors 150 in the first pair 152 are in theopen position a first double wide opening (i.e., approximately two doorwidths) is formed in the enclosure 12 that is approximately the width ofthe first pair 152 of doors 150 and when each of the doors 150 in thefirst pair 152 are closed, the first double wide opening issubstantially blocked by the doors 150 of the first pair 152.

Likewise, the doors 150 of the second pair 154 are adjacent to eachother and hinged on opposite sides so that each of the doors 150 in thesecond pair 154 can open away from each other and close towards eachother. For example, when each of the doors 150 in the second pair 154are in the open position a second double wide opening is formed in theenclosure 12 that is approximately the width of the second pair 154 ofdoors 150 and when each of the doors 150 in the second pair 154 areclosed, the second double wide opening is substantially blocked by thedoors 150 of the second pair 154.

The first and second pairs 152 and 154 of doors 150 can be adjacentdisposed such that the door of the first pair 152 that is adjacent tothe door of the second pair 154 open towards each other and close awayfrom each other. For example, when each of the doors 150 in the firstand second pair 152 and 154 are in the open position the first andsecond openings are formed in the enclosure 12 and the first and seconddouble wide openings are divided generally midway between the first andsecond sides 20 and 22 of the enclosure 12 by the open doors 150 of thefirst and second pairs 152 and 154 that are adjacent to each other.

One or more of the doors 150 can include a latching member 156 tofacilitate opening and closing of the doors 150 as well as to facilitatesecuring the doors 150 in the closed positioned. The latching member 156can be a spring loaded hinge system that includes a first shaft 158 anda second shaft 160 extending in opposite direction along the secondtransverse axis T₂. The shafts 158 and 160 can move between a firstretracted open position and a second protracted locked position. Whenthe shafts 158 and 160 are in the first retracted open position, theshafts 158 and 160 are retracted into the frame of the door to allow theuser to open and close the door. When the shafts 158 and 160 are in theprotracted locked position the shafts 158 and 160 extend from the frameof the door and engage the sixth (top) side 30 and fifth (bottom) side28 of the enclosure to secure the door in a closed position to impedethe door from opening.

While the present embodiment includes four doors 150 those skilled inthe art will recognize that more or fewer doors 150 can be disposed onthe enclosure 12. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognizethat other gating structures can be implemented instead of, or inaddition to, the doors 150. For example, exemplary embodiments can beimplemented using one or more of folding, scissor, retractable, roll-up,and/or accordion gates, and/or any other suitable gating structures.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of the latching member 156 thatcan be implemented for one or more of the doors 150 of FIG. 9. As shownin FIG. 10, the latching member 156 can include a handle portion 162 anda latching portion 164. The handle portion 162 can extend from thelatching portion 164 and can provide an area that can be grasped by theuser when opening and/or closing the doors. The latching portion 164 caninclude the first shaft 158 and a second shaft 160 extending in oppositedirection from each other. The first and second shafts 158 and 160 canbe laterally offset from each other and can each extend along the secondtransverse axis T₂. Each of the shafts 158 and 160 can terminate in thelatching portion 164 and can be operatively coupled to an actuatingmember 166. The actuating member 166 can be rotated in a clockwiseand/or counter clockwise manner to actuate the first and second shafts158 and 160. For example, when the actuating member 166 is rotated inthe clockwise direction, the shafts 158 and 160 can move along thesecond transverse axis T₂ towards each other to the retracted openposition and when the actuating member 166 rotated counter clockwise,the shafts 158 and 160 can move along the second transverse axis T₂ awayfrom each other to the protracted locked position. In exemplaryembodiments, the shafts 158 and 160 can move in substantial unison whenthe actuating member 166 is rotated.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of areconfigurable cage bank system 510 that includes the enclosure 512having the interior area 514 dimensioned to hold one or more animals,such as one or more dogs and/or one or more cats. For clarity, the sides520, 522, and 530 of the enclosure 512 have been shown as beingtransparent and one or more gating structures, such as one or more doorsor gates, have been omitted from FIG. 11 to provide an unobstructed viewof the interior area 514 of the enclosure 512. In exemplary embodiments,the reconfigurable cage bank system 510 can include gating structures,e.g., doors, as described with respect to FIGS. 3, 9, and 10 of thepresent disclosure.

The enclosure 512 can generally extend along the longitudinal axis Lfrom the first side 520 to the second side 522, can generally extendalong the first transverse axis T₁, perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis L, from the third (front) side 524 to the fourth (rear) side 526,and can generally extend along the second transverse axis T₂,perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and the first transverse axisT₁, from the fifth (bottom) side 528 to the sixth (top) side 530. Thewidth W_(E) of the interior area 514 defined by the enclosure 512 can bemeasured along the longitudinal axis L between the first and secondsides 520 and 522. The depth D_(E) of the interior area 514 defined bythe enclosure 512 can be measured along the first transverse axis T₁between the third and fourth sides 524 and 526, and the height H_(E) ofthe interior area 514 defined by the enclosure 512 can be measured alongthe second transverse axis T₂ between the fifth and sixth sides 528 and530.

One or more dividers 516 can be disposed in the interior area 514 toselectively form the animal holding areas 518 (e.g., pens, bays,compartments) in which at least one animal can be confined. In thisembodiment, the dividers 516 can be foldable or collapsible along thefirst transverse axis T₁ to move the dividers 516 between a foldedretracted position and an unfolded protracted position in the interiorarea 514. In the folded retracted position, a divider 516 can be foldedor otherwise positioned against and/or proximate to the fourth (rear)side 526 of the enclosure 512. In the unfolded protracted position, adivider extends along the first transverse axis T₁ to define a boundarybetween two or more animal holding areas 518. The dividers 516 can bemoved between the folded retracted position and the unfolded protractedposition in the interior area 514 and along the first transverse axis T₁to adjust a quantity and size (e.g., width or volume) of the animalholding areas 518. A position of the dividers 516 can be generally fixedwith respect to the longitudinal axis L of the enclosure 512 when thedividers 516 are in the unfolded protracted position.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the reconfigurable cage bank system 510. Forclarity, the sixth (top) side 530 of the enclosure 512 is shown as beingtransparent in FIG. 12 to provide an unobstructed view of the interiorarea 514 of the enclosure 512. FIG. 12 shows the dividers 516 indifferent positions along the first transverse axis T₁. For example, thedividers 516 can include a first divider 534 shown in the unfoldedprotracted position, a second divider 538 shown to be in between thefolded retracted position and the unfolded protracted position, and athird divider 542 shown in the folded retracted position.

As shown in FIG. 12, in an exemplary unfolded protracted position, thefirst divider 534 generally forms a planar structure forming a boundarybetween the first and second animal holding areas 532 and 536. A frontbody portion 582 a and a rear body portion 582 b are alignedside-by-side in parallel relation with respect to each other and alongthe first transverse axis T₁. In the unfolded protracted position, thefirst divider 534 extends from the from the fourth (rear) side 526 ofthe enclosure 512 to the third (front) side 524 of the enclosure 512.

In an exemplary transition between the unfolded protracted position andthe folded retracted position, as shown by the second divider 538, thefront body portion 582 a is configured to rotate in one direction (e.g.,counterclockwise) and the rear body portion 582 b is configured torotate in another direction (e.g., clockwise). In transition between theunfolded protracted position and the folded retracted position, thefront body portion 582 a and the rear body portion 582 b have an angularoffset from each other and from the first transverse axis T₁.

In an exemplary retracted folded position, the third divider 542 isgenerally collapsed towards the fourth (rear) side 526 of the enclosure.The front body portion 582 a and the rear body portion 582 b can begenerally parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal axisL. The front body portion 582 a and the rear body portion 582 b can havean overlapping side-by-side relationship such that an extent of thefront body portion 582 a and an extent of the rear body portion 582 bare aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis and offset withrespect to the first transverse axis T₁.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the quantity of animal holding areas518 in the interior area 514 can be configured to be between a minimumquantity of animal holding areas and a maximum quantity of animalholding areas using the dividers 516. A quantity of the dividers 516disposed in the interior area 514 of the enclosure 512 can determine amaximum quantity of animal holding areas 518 that can be formed in theinterior area 514. In this embodiment, the interior area 514 can includethree dividers 516 (e.g., a first divider 534, a second divider 538, anda third divider 542) such that a maximum of four animal holding areas518 can be formed in the interior area 514. The minimum quantity ofanimal holding areas 518 formed in the interior area 514 is one animalholding area and can be independent of the quantity of dividers 516disposed in the interior area 514. For example, the dividers 516disposed in the interior area 514 can each be independently moved tofold retracted position to fold the dividers 516 against the fourth(rear) side 526 to form a single animal holding area 518 in the interiorarea 514. One skilled in the art will recognize that the quantity of thedividers 516 included in the interior area 514 of exemplary embodimentscan be modified to define a maximum quantity of the animal holding areas518 that can be formed in the interior area 514.

When each of the dividers 516 are disposed in the unfolded protractedposition, a width W₁ of a first animal holding area 532 can be measuredalong the longitudinal axis between the first side 520 and a firstdivider 534, a width W₂ of a second animal holding area 536 can bemeasured along the longitudinal axis L between the first divider 534 anda second divider 538, a width W₃ of a third animal holding area 540 canbe measured along the longitudinal axis L between the second divider 538and the third divider 542, and a width W₄ of a fourth animal holdingarea 544 can be measured along the longitudinal axis L between the thirddivider 542 and the second side 522.

Adjacent animal holding areas 18 can be merged together by moving adivider forming the boundary between the adjacent to the foldedretracted position. As one example, the first divider 534 can bepositioned in the folded retracted position and the second and thirddividers 538 and 542 can be positioned in the unfolded protractedposition such that there is no boundary between the first animal holdingare 532 and the second animal holding area 536. In this example, thefirst and second animal holding areas 532 and 536 have merged into asingle animal holding area having a width that is substantially equal tosum of the widths W₁ and W₂. Likewise, the first and second dividers 534and 538 can be positioned in the folded retracted position and the thirddivider 542 can be positioned in the unfolded protracted position suchthat there is no boundary between the first, second, and third animalholding 532, 536, and 540 such that the first, second, and third animalholding areas 532, 536, 540 have merged into a single animal holdingarea having a width that is substantially equal to sum of the widths W₁,W₂, and W₃. In some embodiments, the widths W₁-W₄ can be approximatelyequal to each other.

In exemplary embodiments, each of the widths W₁-W₄ can be approximatelyequal to a width of a door 150 (FIG. 9) such that when each of thedividers 534, 538, 542 are in the unfolded protracted position to definethe animal holding areas 532, 536, 540, 544, each of the animal holdingareas 532, 536, 540, 544 can be associated with a corresponding doorforming a passageway for entry and egress from the respective animalholding area. Likewise, in exemplary embodiments, for example, when thefirst divider 534 and/or the third divider 536 are in the retractedposition animal holding can be formed between the first side 520 and thesecond divider 538 and/or between the second divider 538 and the secondside 522, and the animal holding area can be approximately twice thewidth of one of the doors (FIG. 9).

One or more interior surfaces of the enclosure 512 can include elongatetracks 560 extending along the first transverse axis T₁ between thethird (front) side 524 and the fourth (rear) side 526. For example, oneor more tracks 560 can be formed on or with respect to an interiorsurface of the sixth (top) side 530. The tracks 560 can receive guidemembers of the dividers 516 to guide the dividers 516 between the foldedretracted position and the unfolded protracted position in the interiorarea 514 to adjust a quantity and size of the animal holding areas 518.In exemplary embodiments, the tracks 560 can be slots, grooves, orchannels formed as recesses or depressions in the interior surface ofthe sixth (top) side 530. In exemplary embodiments, the tracks 560disposed on the interior surface 563 can be substantially parallel toeach other.

A rear end 592 of each of the dividers 516 can be pivotally or rotatablysecured within the interior area proximate to the fourth (rear) side 526of the enclosure 512 in the interior area 514 and a front end 588 ofeach of the dividers 516 can be secured to the track 560. As thedividers 516 are moved between the folded retracted position and theunfolded protracted position or vice versa, the rear end 592 of thedividers 516 pivot and the front end 588 of the dividers 516 slide ortranslate along the first transverse axis T₁ with respect to the track560.

In exemplary embodiments, the fifth (bottom) and sixth (top) sides 528and 530 of the enclosure 512 can include receiving portions 621configured to receive a portion of the dividers 516 to lock the dividers516 in the unfolded protracted position and receiving portions 623configured to receive a portion of the dividers 516 to pivotally securethe dividers 516 to the enclosure 512. The receiving portions 621 can beformed as recesses in the interior surfaces of the fifth and sixth sides528 and 530 proximate to the third (front) side 524 of the enclosure 512and the receiving portions 623 can be formed as recesses in the interiorsurfaces of the fifth and sixth sides 528 and 530 proximate to thefourth (rear) side 526 of the enclosure 512. The receiving portions 621,623 can be distributed along the longitudinal axis L to provide discretelocations along the longitudinal axis at which the dividers 516 canrespectively be locked into place and pivotally secured to the enclosure12.

FIG. 13 shows a side view of one embodiment of the divider 516. In thisembodiment, the divider 516 can be formed by front and rear bodyportions 582A and 582B that are connected via one or more joint members,e.g., hinges 595, such that the first and second body portions 582A and582B are rotatable with respect to each other about an axis of rotationto form a bi-folding structure. While the present embodiment of thedivider 516 is illustrated as a bi-folding structure, those skilled inthe art will recognize that other folding or retractable structures canbe used to for the divider 516. For example, exemplary embodiments ofthe divider 516 can be formed by a roll-up retractable structure, anaccordion structure, a telescoping structure, and/or any other suitablefolding or retractable structures.

The divider 516 can have a perimeter 580 extending about first andsecond body portions 582A and 582B. The perimeter 580 can be defined byan edge 584 having first (bottom) edge portions 586A and 586B, a second(front) edge portion 588, third (top) edge portions 590A and 590B, and afourth (rear) edge portion 592. In exemplary embodiments, the first andsecond body portions 582A and 582B can form a wall panel and the edge584 can form a frame around the wall panel.

A guide member 600 extending from the divider 516 can be configured toengage one of the tracks 560 of the enclosure 512 (FIGS. 11 and 12). Inthis embodiment, the guide member 600 can extend from the third top edgeportion 590A along the second transverse axis T₂. The guide member 600can be disposed proximate to the corner formed by the third (top) edgeportion 590A and the second (front) edge portion 588. In exemplaryembodiments, the guide member 600 can be formed as a projection or pinthat can be received by one of the tracks of the enclosure 512. Theguide member 600 can be configured to slide or translate along and/orwithin the track to facilitate guided movement of the divider betweenthe folded retracted position and the unfolded protracted position. Theguide member 600 can also be configured to permit the front body portionof the divider 516 to rotate as the divider 516 is moved between thefolded retracted position and the unfolded protracted position.

Pivot members 610, 612 of the divider 516 can be figured to pivotallysecure the divider 516 to enclosure 512 (FIGS. 11 and 12). In thisembodiment, the pivot members 610, 612 can extend along the secondtransverse axis T₂ from the first (bottom) edge portion 586B and thethird top edge portion 590B. The pivot member 610 can be disposedproximate to the corner formed by the third (top) edge portion 590B andthe fourth (rear) edge portion 592 and the pivot member 612 can bedisposed proximate to the corner formed by the first (bottom) edgeportion 586B and the fourth (rear) edge portion 592. In exemplaryembodiments, the pivot member 600 can be formed as a projections or pinsthat can be received by receiving portions 623 of the enclosure 512(FIG. 11). The pivot members 610, 612 can be configured to engage andfit within the receiving portions 623 (FIG. 11) to facilitate rotationof the rear body portion of the divider 516 as the divider 516 is movedbetween the folded retracted position and the unfolded protractedposition.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the front body portion of thedivider 516 illustrated in FIG. 13. The divider 516 can include alockout member 620 configured to selectively secure the divider 516 inthe unfolded protracted position in the interior area of the enclosure.The lockout member 620 can operate to selectively and substantially lockthe divider 516 in a position along the longitudinal axis when thedivider 516 is disposed within the interior area of the enclosure. Thelockout member 620 can include a rod or shaft 642 extending along thesecond transverse axis T₂ and an actuating member, e.g., a handle 622,operatively coupled to the shaft 642. The shaft 642 can protrude fromthe divider 516 proximate to the corner formed by the first (bottom)edge portion 586A and the second (front) edge portion 588.

The handle 622 can be actuated to move the shaft along the secondtransverse axis T₂ between a released position and a locked position. Inthe released position, the shaft is retracted and/or urged upwardly intothe divider 516. In the locked position, the shaft is protracted and/orurged downwardly out of the divider 516. For example, when the divider516 is in the unfolded protracted position, the shaft 642 can be alignedwith a corresponding receiving portion of the enclosure along the secondtransverse axis T₂, and the handle 622 can be actuated to urge the shaftalong the second transverse axis T₂ and into the corresponding receivingarea to secure the divider 516 in the unfolded protracted position toform a barrier between adjacent animal holding areas.

FIG. 15 shows a side cross-sectional view of the reconfigurable cagebank system of FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 15, in an exemplary embodiment,the perimeter 580 of the divider 516 can generally conform to an outlineof the interior area of the enclosure with respect to the first andsecond transverse axes T₁ and T₂. The divider 516 is shown in theunfolded protracted position in FIG. 15 such that the divider 516extends along the first transverse axis T₁ to define a boundary betweentwo or more animal holding areas.

The rear end 592 of the divider 516 can be pivotally or rotatablysecured within the interior area proximate to the fourth (rear) side 526of the enclosure in the interior area. For example, one of the receivingportions 623 can be formed as a recess in the sixth top surface 530 ofthe enclosure proximate to the fourth rear side 526 and can beconfigured to receive the pivot member 610 protruding from the third topedge portion 590 b of the rear body portion 582 b of the divider 516.Likewise, one of the receiving portions 623 can be formed as a recess inthe fifth bottom surface 528 of the enclosure and can be configured toreceive the pivot member 612 protruding from the first bottom edgeportion 586 b of the rear body portion 582 b of the divider 516. Thepivot members 610, 612 can engage the receiving portions 623 topivotally secure the divider 516 to enclosure.

The track 560 can receive the guide member 600 extending from the thirdtop edge portion 590 a of the front body portion 582 a of the divider516 proximate to the front edge 588 of the divider 516. The guide member600 can guide the divider 516 between the folded retracted position andthe unfolded protracted position in the interior area of the enclosure.In exemplary embodiments, the track 560 can be a slot, groove, orchannel formed as recesses or depressions in the interior surface of thesixth (top) side 530. In the present embodiment, the pivot member 610can extend further from the top edge of the divider 516 than the guidemember 600 and the corresponding receiving portion 623 be furtherrecessed in the track 560 such that the pivot member 610 engages thereceiving portion and the guide member can be positioned along the trackbetween the pivot member 623 and the edge of the track 560 at the frontside of the enclosure 512.

In exemplary embodiments, the fifth (bottom) side 528 of the enclosure512 can includes the receiving portion 621 configured to receive theshaft 642 which can retractable extends from the first bottom edgeportion 586 a of the divider 516 to selectively lock the dividers 516 inthe unfolded protracted position as described herein.

While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expresslynoted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, butrather that additions and modifications to what is expressly describedherein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, itis to be understood that the features of the various embodimentsdescribed herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in variouscombinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutationsare not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

1. A reconfigurable system for confining one or more animals comprising:an enclosure extending along a longitudinal axis and defining aninterior area; and one or more dividers disposed in the interior area ofthe enclosure to form two or more animal holding areas, the dividerbeing adjustably positioned within the interior area to adjust adimension of at least one of the animal holding areas.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more dividers are moveable within theinterior area of the enclosure between a protracted position in whichthe divider forms a boundary between adjacent animal holding areas and aretracted position in which the boundary is removed.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the one or more dividers comprise a lockout member toselectively secure the one or more dividers in the protracted position.4. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more dividers comprises afront body portion and a rear body portion operatively coupled by ajoint about which the front body portion and the rear body portionrotate.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more dividers areconfigured to fold about the joint to move the one or more dividerswithin the interior area along a transverse axis of the enclosurebetween the protracted position and the retracted position.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein a rear end of the one or more divider ispivotally secured within the interior area.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the enclosure comprises a first closable passageway to providean entrance to a first one of the two or more animal holding areas and asecond closeable passageway to provide an entrance to a second one ofthe two or more animal holding areas.
 8. The system of claim 1, whereinthe enclosure comprises a first track disposed in the interior areaextending along a transverse axis of the enclosure and the one or moredividers comprise a first guide member, the first guide memberinteracting with the first track to guide the one or more dividers alongthe transverse axis.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first trackis disposed along an interior surface of a top side of the enclosure andextends between a front side of the enclosure and a rear side of theenclosure.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more dividerscomprises at least two dividers and the two or more animal holding areascomprises three animal holding areas, a first animal holding area and asecond animal holding area being adjacent to a third animal holdingarea, a first one of the dividers being adjustably positioned within theinterior area to adjust a size of each of the first and third animalholding areas, a second one of the dividers being adjustably positionedwithin the interior area to adjust a size of each of the second andthird animal holding areas.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein theenclosure includes a plurality of doors disposed along a side of theenclosure to provide an entrance to the interior area.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the plurality of doors comprises a first pair of doorsand a second pair of doors in a side-by-side arrangement, each of thedoors in the first and second pairs having a door width, the doors inthe first pair being hinged on opposite sides so that when the doors inthe first pair are in an open position an opening is formed to theinterior area that is approximately twice the door width.
 13. The systemof claim 12, further comprising a plurality of dividers positioned inthe interior area at a first plurality of locations along thelongitudinal axis to form a first animal holding area that coincideswith the opening so that the first animal holding area is approximatelytwice the door width and the opening forms a single passageway into theanimal holding area, and wherein at least one of the plurality ofdividers is moveable within the interior area along the transverse axisfrom a retracted position to a protracted position so that the firstanimal holding is approximately the door width and the opening forms twopassageways, a first one of the two passageway defining an entrance tothe first animal holding area and a second passageway defining anentrance to a second animal holding area.
 14. The system of claim 1,wherein the enclosure comprises a first track disposed in the interiorarea extending along the longitudinal axis and the divider comprises afirst guide member, the first guide member interacting with the firsttrack to guide the one or more dividers along the longitudinal axis. 15.The system of claim 14, wherein the first track is disposed along aninterior surface of a bottom side of the enclosure and proximate to afront side of the enclosure, the first track is recessed in the interiorsurface of the bottom side and the first guide member comprises a ballbearing configured to roll along the first track.
 16. A method ofreconfiguring one or more animal holding areas comprising: positioning adivider within an interior area of an enclosure to a protracted positionalong a transverse axis of the enclosure, the interior area beingaccessible through one or more closable passageways disposed along aside of the enclosure, the divider defining a first animal holding areahaving a first width and defining a second animal holding area having asecond width; and repositioning the divider within the interior area toa retracted position along the transverse axis to merge the first animalholding area and the second animal holding area to form a merged animalholding area having a width that is approximately a sum of a width ofthe first animal holding and a width of the second animal holding area.17. The method of claim 16, wherein the divider includes a guide memberand repositioning the divider comprises translating the guide memberalong the track disposed within the interior area in response to aninteraction between the guide member and the track.
 18. A system forconfining one or more animals comprising an enclosure extending along alongitudinal axis and defining an interior area; and one or moredividers disposed within the interior area to form a plurality of animalholding areas, the one or more dividers being adjustably positionedalong a transverse axis within the interior area to reconfigure theplurality of animal holding areas.
 19. The system of claim 18, whereinthe one or more dividers are adjustably positioned along the transverseaxis to change a quantity of the plurality of animal holding areasformed in the interior area.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the oneor more dividers are adjustably positioned along the transverse axis toadjust a size of at least one of the plurality of animal holding areas.